Despite what some books or new age prophets might tell you, there really isn’t one secret to happiness, wealth, love or success. This stuff doesn’t always come easy or make any sense. That could be why thousands of Canadians are heading to life coaches for help each year.

Want to find love, a new job, a new life? Whatever it is, there is probably a coach for you with a promise to help.

“One of the first questions I was asked was if I had all the money in the world, what would I do,” Helena Liu, 24, said from her downtown office. “It was profound, because I honestly had no idea how to answer that question.”

After Liu graduated from Queens University with a bachelor of commerce degree, she quickly realized she wasn’t sure what to do next. She described herself has being level headed, but was still struggling in a highly competitive job market with no clear direction. She had become riddled with self-doubt.

“I wasn’t having any success with interviews, couldn’t find a job and a lot of that had been because of a lack of confidence, authenticity and general feeling of fear,” she recalled.

Liu’s story is similar to many people in their early 20s – fresh out of school, degree in hand and facing the reality the next step isn’t easy to take. Her story is similar to many people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and even older, who are all asking the same question: What do I want to be when I grow-up?

Enter the life coach.

According to an IBIS World market research report, the business coaching industry in Canada generated $1 billion in revenue in 2014 with nearly 8,000 employed coaches. A similar report found life coaching in the U.S. generated $1.2 billion in 2014, with an annual growth rate of nearly 8% since 2009.

On Noomii – an online Canadian directory for coaches –you can find hundreds of coaches available across the country who offer a wide range of specialized services. From ADHD coaches to Christian coaches to relationship coaches, they work individuals on their specific hopes and desires.

Guy Reichard, a life coach in Toronto, said “life coaching is definitely a growing trend and I think it’s because people are more educated about what life coaching is … so the taboo is changing.

“You are seeing it on shows like Oprah and people can identify with it,” said Reichard. “In general, people are also more aware of personal growth and are seeing their own development as being much more important.”

Reichard said the speed at which many of us live our lives is affecting more people.

“It’s the kind of society where we believe that it is about more and more and harder and harder. People are often working 10 hours a day, indoors, and their lifestyles can be non-stop with very little fulfilment,” he said.

Coaches point to a rapidly changing workforce as a big reason why more people are seeking coaching.

The job market has been kind to few. Many have seen their positions become obsolete and replaced by technology. Others finish post-secondary education with few employable skills in a job market that has increasingly specific demands.

And then there are others simply don’t know what they want.

Krista Roesler, a life coach and psychotherapist in Toronto, said “there isn’t just one demographic seeking life coaches, it’s everybody, all different cultures and ages. Even adolescents are taking an interest.”

Roesler has worked with people as young as 15 to help them figure out a direction. And retirees are also looking for coaches.

Liu’s main focus had been to find success and face her fears. She knew she needed to overcome frustrations she’d developed around job seeking and finding a good career. Others might want help getting over a divorce or finding a deeper spirituality.

“A big problem we see is that people can get stuck in their lives, which can cause all sorts of problems,” said Roesler. “Either they hold on to the past, resentment or fear and have trouble moving forward.”

A life coach will look at your patterns – your hang-ups and everything from your exercise routine to how often you speak with your family. Then he or she will coach you toward what needs to change to help reach your goals.

The service does cost money – on average about $150 an hour. Not necessarily something everyone can afford.

For Liu, the effort on her part has been worth it.

“I am more confident, happier and more willing to take things on,” she said.

In just over a year, she said her life has changed. She landed a great job at a big tech company and said she has started to realize some of her greatest dreams. She has even conquered a fear of flying.

“There were many times I did not think it was going to be possible to find success. But, the future looks bright,” she added.

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Nine myths about happiness:

We Should be happy all the time

Things, money, success make us happy

Happiness is in the future. When I get this then I will be happy

Happy people are fooling themselves and are not realistic

Only the young and healthy are truly happy

Happiness will make us lazy or passive

Others need to change for me to be happy

Need to be rich to be happy

You can’t increase your level of happiness, you are either a happy person or you’re not

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